Patents by Inventor Charles A. Centofante

Charles A. Centofante has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230349500
    Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 11644140
    Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: PIRANHA PLASTICS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20220049810
    Abstract: A flow dampener for dampening pulsation in a fluid flow includes a body shell, a flexible membrane, and two flow ports. The body shell has an interior surface and an elongate groove formed on the interior surface. The flexible membrane is sealed to the interior surface of the body shell and covers the elongate groove. In some embodiments, the flexible membrane is over-molded onto the body shell. The flexible membrane cooperates with the elongate groove to form an elongate flow path for the fluid flow. The flexible membrane has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. As the membrane is flexible, it vibrates as the fluid flows through the elongate flow path, absorbs kinetic energy in the fluid flow, and thereby dampens pulsation in the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20200062581
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to dispensing liquid materials. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in apparatuses that include a container (203) coupled to an integrated pump cap (202), the integrated pump cap (202) including a pump coupled to an intake port to the container (203) and an output port configured to dispense liquids from the container (203) when the pump is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Patent number: 10138881
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a pump head including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller elements; and a pump body including an input port, and output port, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid channel is formed in part from rigid walls of the pump body and in part from a semi-rigid membrane positioned on at least a portion of the pump body; wherein the pump head is rotatably coupled to the pump body such that the one or more roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20180180038
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a pump head including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller elements; and a pump body including an input port, and output port, a first fluid channel, and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid channel is formed in part from rigid walls of the pump body and in part from a semi-rigid membrane positioned on at least a portion of the pump body; wherein the pump head is rotatably coupled to the pump body such that the one or more roller elements interface with the semi-rigid membrane such that during rotation the roller elements compress the semi-rigid membrane to push fluid trapped within the first fluid channel in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Applicant: Piranha Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20150176577
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Patent number: 8844771
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A Centofante
  • Patent number: 8662357
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Publication number: 20140034681
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to a pump for dispensing precise quantities of fluids. In some implementations, a pump includes a rotatable portion including one or more recesses configured to receive one or more corresponding roller components; and a base portion including a fluid channel including an input aperture and an output aperture, the fluid channel being configured to receive the one or more roller components, and a flexible membrane that provides a seal between the roller components and the fluid channel, wherein, the rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the base portion such that the fluid channel includes one or more portions sealed by the flexible membrane and one or more roller components and wherein rotation of the rotatable portion causes the one or more roller components to traverse the fluid channel pushing fluid trapped within the fluid channel and the membrane in the direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20130270303
    Abstract: This specification describes technologies relating to dispensing liquid materials. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in apparatuses that include a container (203) coupled to an integrated pump cap (202), the integrated pump cap (202) including a pump coupled to an intake port to the container (203) and an output port configured to dispense liquids from the container (203) when the pump is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Publication number: 20130256341
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path aid the air inlet path are open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Patent number: 8490893
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Patent number: 8453891
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed comprising an elongate body comprising a lumen and an output aperture near a distal portion thereof, a plunger positioned in the lumen and movable to a first position and a second position, and a toner path formed at least partially within the lumen and extending from a toner input to a toner path end located proximate the output aperture. When the plunger is in the first position, the output aperture is not fluidly coupled to the toner path. When the plunger is in the second position, the outlet aperture is fluidly coupled to the toner path such that a toner in the toner path can exit the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Publication number: 20100254731
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a toner dispensing system includes a toner container; a cap and valve assembly coupled to the toner container, the cap and value assembly including: a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position, a toner path, and an air inlet path, where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open; an air assembly including a first air supply coupled to the air path of the cap and valve assembly and a second regulated air supply coupled to the toner container; and a control assembly for controlling the second air supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Publication number: 20100254730
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for dispensing toners. In one aspect, a cap and valve assembly is provided including a movable valve assembly, the movable valve assembly having a first position and a second position; a toner path, which when open is configured to allow toner to flow from a toner container to an output aperture; and an air inlet path, which when open is configured to couple an air source to the toner container; where in a first valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are closed, and in a second valve assembly position the toner path and the air inlet path are open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian S. Boothman
  • Patent number: 7607221
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one implementation, a method of housing an electronic device includes positioning an electronic device on a base, over-molding a lid onto at least a portion of the base and a portion of the electronic device, the lid and the base comprising a housing for the electronic device, and over-molding a movable component to a portion of the housing. In another implementation a method for housing an electronic device includes positioning a housing for an electrical device within a first mold cavity of an assembly mold, the housing including a base and a lid, molding a movable component in a second mold cavity of the assembly mold, and attaching the movable component to the housing while both the movable component and the housing are within the assembly mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics
    Inventors: Charles A. Centofante, Brian Boothman
  • Patent number: 7440285
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for housing an electronic device are provided. In some implementations an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an electronic device positioned on the base, and a lid positioned to cover the base and at least a portion of the electronic device. The lid and the base form a housing for the electronic device, the lid including a lid aperture, the lid aperture exposing at least a portion of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a transparent portion positioned such that a first region of the transparent portion is positioned within the lid aperture and where at least a portion of the electronic device is covered by the transparent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Piranha Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20080158789
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for housing an electronic device are provided. In some implementations an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an electronic device positioned on the base, and a lid positioned to cover the base and at least a portion of the electronic device. The lid and the base form a housing for the electronic device, the lid including a lid aperture, the lid aperture exposing at least a portion of the electronic device. The apparatus also includes a transparent portion positioned such that a first region of the transparent portion is positioned within the lid aperture and where at least a portion of the electronic device is covered by the transparent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Charles A. Centofante
  • Publication number: 20060092601
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for housing an electronic device. In one implementation, a method of housing an electronic device includes positioning an electronic device on a base, over-molding a lid onto at least a portion of the base and a portion of the electronic device, the lid and the base comprising a housing for the electronic device, and over-molding a movable component to a portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Charles Centofante, Brian Boothman